Conferva ærea c. 1843 - 1853

Anna Atkins, a pioneer in photography, created a series of cyanotype prints documenting various types of algae, including this one, *Conferva ærea*, from c. 1843-1853. This image, part of her book "Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions", demonstrates the beauty and detail of the natural world through the unique, blue-toned medium. Atkins's cyanotype method, using light-sensitive chemicals, captured the delicate structure of the algae, revealing its intricate details in a striking visual contrast against the blue background.